Leeds United decision backed by 'not too annoyed' Daniel Farke as they batter Coventry City — YEP 28/9/24
By Graham Smyth
Leeds United delighted Daniel Farke with the way they
excelled in two different ways in a 3-0 Elland Road beating of Coventry City.
Farke’s men were utterly dominant in the first half but had
just the one goal to show for it, Willy Gnonto hammering a Junior Firpo pass
high into the net. An early goal in the second period from Jayden Bogle ended
the game as a content and though the visitors ended the game with 51 per cent
of the possession, they were handily beaten thanks to a late Joel Piroe strike
and Leeds’ defensive solidity. The Sky Blues were restricted to one real
chance, which came from a long-range strike late in the game.
The only real concern from the fixture was the sight of
Ethan Ampadu limping off having smashed into and won a challenge that left him
injured. But the captain’s exit facilitated a proper opportunity for Ao Tanaka
to introduce himself to Elland Road. The Japan international’s display was one
of several impressive performances as Leeds secured a fifth clean sheet in
seven league outings.
Farke was delighted with how his team dominated with the
ball in the first half and then without it for a long period in the second.
“Very good performance, very mature,” he said. “I think we were excellent in
the first half, all over them, didn't allow them to have one chance, scored a
fantastic team goal, created many chances. Yes could perhaps have buried the
game but it was important to stay on it and start again on the front foot in
the second half. Last year we were 1-0 up [here against Coventry] and finished
1-1. We got an excellent second goal, took the foot off the gas a bit in
possession, could have done with a bit more composure in possession. There were
25 minutes where we controlled everything against the ball, really rock solid.
Our decisions in passing were not great or we could have dominated a bit more
but I'm not too annoyed with this.”
The difficulties thrown up by injuries this week played into
the way the second half panned out, said Farke who reserved praise for his
goalkeeper Illan Meslier after a quiet 90 minutes ended with a sublime save
from a long-distance strike. Farke said: “We had many important players out and
many with injury problems in the week, Pascal, Junior and the injury of our
captain Ethan Ampadu. It was understandable that we took the foot from the gas
a little.
“I think we all would have preferred to be a bit more
composed in possession. A few poor passes. But we know we have three games in
six games and away games with long travel. It was more due to important players
being out, players with injuries during the week. A first appearance for Ao
Tanaka with more minutes. The players felt a bit like we don't take too many
risks, be rock solid and mature against the ball. I backed this decision.
Another good clean sheet for our confidence, reputation and the goal difference.
Still scored the third goal. I'm really pleased we were again able to be so
solid against the ball and allowed them their first chance in the 93rd minute,
thank God Illan Meslier was still awake and I realised he was still on the
pitch then. Compliments to the lads, not an easy week with the injuries. Last
season we won one point against Coventry, already this season three points.”